Meet Naomi Smith | Art Director & Set Decorator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naomi Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naomi, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
When I was younger I remember giving up too soon on something I loved and wonder what it was like if I had commit to that passion, hobby, or job where would I be. Being in the film and commercial industry as a freelancer for the last 8 years there were many moments I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. I would be transparent to my mentors and friends about my struggles and how I could get there. I can say had great support and success from the right people and that is one of the keys to success, it is not lonely climbing to the top. Self care, good living and never give up on your dreams and goals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others? Wow, my strong suit is I heavily think in color, form and texture. I wear glasses since I was 11 and I have now learn to use my blur vision to see what others don’t normally see. Since I earned my BFA I was trained in commercial photography to tell stories and think I particular way in advertising. It had definitely benefited me in the film industry to have that background.

What I am excited about is how I solve problems creatively especially when I have a great boss/ mentor and they value my input, suggestions and opinions. What I am most proud of is myself and how far I have come in 10 years from not knowing what I wanted to now focusing on my long term goals and projects. I do jobs for money and I also do jobs that are creatively for filling.

How I got to where I am today was trying out different positions to see what fit the most. Started as a photographer (5 yrs) commercial photography assistant(4 yrs), wardrobe assistant(1yr), PA film(2 yrs), join the 479 union (6 yrs), freelance Art Directing (5 yrs), and Set Decorating commercially (5 yrs)

NO, It was not easy to get to where I am today. It was actually really hard. I overcame my challenges by being real with myself. Not taking on jobs that I was not ready for and surround myself with people who support and care about me and my wellbeing. Little secret, have weekly therapy, don’t treat your friends or family like a therapist and make sure you give yourself care and love. That all goes a long way.

My lessons I have learn are stop working for people who treat you badly, find a great mentor that teaches you about chosen family, learn to budget, learn what is useful, give time for yourself, and don’t talk down to yourself.

What I want young minds to know is just go do it, try it all, no matter how scary it is to make a decision. You live and you learn. It is ok to not know what you want to do right away, just don’t give up on yourself .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The best places I would take my best friend locally to Atlanta is all of my favorite spots which are:

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens that where I get inspiration, Tallulah Gorge or Sweetwater state park to go hiking, High Museum of Art because I love their Art! Depending on the time of year Atlanta is full of amazing festival almost every weekend.

Anywhere on Buford Hwy and Duluth area to get the best real Asian food experiences.
Favorites are Food Terminal, Shoya, So Kong Dong, Dagu Rice and so much more.

Restaurants in Atl: Tiny Lous, Gaja, Gunshow, Lloyds, El Tesoro, BeetleCat, Victory Sandwhich,

Bars: Bookhouse, Argosy, Jojo’s Beloved Lounge, Church, Octopus Bar,

Comedy show: Dads Garage and laughing skull lounge because laugh feeds the soul.
I love Atlanta born and raised here I want to share my love for this city and all the people I know.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my, so many people. I dedicate my shoutout to my mom, Nate Dorn, Brandon Ross, Justin Dombrowski, Mark Simon, Andrew Lee, Jack Ha, Carlos Mancilla, Andrew Schwab, Mollie Alexander, Tony Poon, Chenzy Graziano, Katherine Anderson, and Tanya Webb.

Website: https://smithnaomi1.myportfolio.com/

Instagram: @naomibowiesmith

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PassionOfDreams

Image Credits
All Images are own and shot by Naomi B Smith 1. Honey Baked Ham food/prop styling 2019 2. Endless short directed and styled by Naomi 2022 3. Camera testing at Lindale Mill 2019 4. Styling on a Commerical 2018 5. Akeem Ali set made for his last music video 2022 6. Goldfish Commerical 2022 7. Parallel short film directed and styled by me 2019 8. Cinnabon Commerical 2020 9. Honey Baked Ham food/prop styling 2019